The undefeated 49ers aren't in desparate need for help but trade prospects are intriguing

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TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 08: Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts to an interception returned for a touchdown during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

SANTA CLARA — After road-sweet-road wins, the 49ers are preparing for Sunday’s home opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and fans have prepared these 10 questions via my Twitter and Instagram feeds:

1. How convinced are you about the offense scoring 30-plus points per game? (@8ajrr)

Ah, but wait, the 49ers defense’s pick-sixes accounted for two touchdowns in the 31-17 opener at Tampa, and not every defense will yield 500-plus yards like the Bengals did in Sunday’s 41-17 rout. I am surprisingly convinced the 49ers defense can post sub-20 scores weekly.

2. Are Garoppolo’s INTs happening because he’s not improvising outside the system? (@teoniemann)

Pretty sure the system doesn’t call for throws into triple coverage. Sarcasm aside, Garappolo thrived on the fly in December 2017. He knows the system better now, and not locking onto a primary receiver remains key in any system. Sunday’s win was vintage Garoppolo (circa 2017)

Jalen Ramsey (20)

3. When we trading for Jalen Ramsey? (@READYBOi_)

Let’s see if the Jaguars lower their ransom demands of reportedly two first-round draft picks. If the 49ers can get Ramsey for less, they’ll also have to bring him a real Brinks truck and perhaps swap a starting-caliber player (Ahkello Witherspoon’s value is soaring). Otherwise: bank on an upgraded pass rush to bolster the secondary, and that’s working.

Dee Ford (55)

4. Is Dee Ford’s knee more concerning than we thought? (@cc_breeze)

We only found out a week into camp about his knee tendinitis. I wouldn’t expect another three-week shutdown for platelet-rich plasma therapy. Rest could help, so next week’s bye is timely.

Deebo Samuel (19)

5. Is Deebo establishing himself as the No. 1 receiver in the near future? (@i_am_fake_jesus)

Looks that way, and has for the past month. His physicality and route running are ideal to move the chains, if he holds onto the ball. George Kittle will remain the No. 1 target, and Marquise Goodwin can chime in without being shoehorned into a No. 1, full-time load.

Dante Pettis (18) (AP/Charlie Riedel)

6. How is Dante Pettis, health-wise? (@8ajrrr)

His groin issue never seemed major. He played half the offensive snaps in Cincy, but he never had an official pass come his way. Instead he … completed his first NFL pass, and I think he wanted that ball for a keepsake?!

7. How much of an impact will losing Joe Staley have on the offense? (@DonHogue3)

Losing a 13th-year left tackle could be catastrophic if Jimmy Garoppolo gets hurt on a blindside hit. But let’s not go so dark. Rookie Justin Skule gets first crack at the replacing the irreplaceable Staley. The 49ers will, um, school up Skule, and their run game should remain strong with the scheme.

8. Any chance we trade for a tackle?

Shanahan downplayed options that were possible, meaning a deal for Washington’s Trent Williams isn’t currently possible. Get well soon, Joe Show.

9. What’s the status on Jalen Hurd? (@8ajrrr)

Jalen Hurd (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

The 49ers have been vague on his back “tightness,” other than Shanahan saying that Hurd likely will be shelved until after next week’s bye, along with fellow receiver Trent Taylor (foot) and running back Tevin Coleman (ankle).

10. How do you compare this 2-0 team to the 2-0 team back in 2012? (@doobie_mane)

The 2012 team was coming off NFC Championship Game heartbreak. This one is coming off a 4-12 year befitting the No. 2 overall draft slot. That said, both parlayed play-making defenses (thus far) and run-oriented offenses into success, and, hey, both teams flourished after Youngstown layovers. Alas, I’m not envisioning a Colin Kaepernick emergence at midseason this year, however.